The northeast definitely isn't getting any love from the "weather gods." Just a week after Hurricane Sandy swept through the region, it is about to be hit by what the Weather Channel calls, "Winter Storm Athena," on Wednesday.

"Athena" is classified as a nor'easter, a storm that moves up the East Coast due to strong winds coming in from the northeast. As of Wednesday morning, the nor'easter has already reached parts of southern New Jersey.

The storm system is expected to sweep across states from Maryland to Maine, with Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York being hit the hardest. "Athena" is expected to bring a total of up to six inches of snow and over 35 mph winds; some places, such as Eastern Long Island and Cape Cod, may experience over 60 mph winds.

Though "Athena" is nowhere near as catastrophic as Sandy, the storm is expected to increase the severity of damages already caused by the hurricane. The Weather Channel anticipated more coastal flooding across Long Island and coastal Massachusetts, while the Department of Energy released data showing that 22,156 homes, as of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, have lost power as a result of "Athena."

Others also raise concerns about the nor'easter's dangerous wind speeds. Point Pleasant, N.J., Police Chief Kevin O'Hara toldThe Weather Channel, "Our fear is that if people are out and about, they could be hit by flying debris. We would urge people to stay in their houses, stay home, and let the storm pass."

In preparation for the nor'easter, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg encouraged residents of areas that were most severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy to evacuate and warned that, if the storm picks up, people should be prepared to move. In addition, United Airlines and American Airlines cancelled 1,200 flights in and out of New York and New Jersey.

"Athena" is expected to leave the Northeast by Thursday morning.

UPDATES:

7:22 p.m. Nor'easter turns out the lights in 60,000 homes in New Jersey, reports the Princeton Patch.

6:45 p.m. Some images of the storm in various places:

Maya Homes in New Jersey:

Joslinda Rodriguez (@dragonfly12107) in New York City:

@TheRealest_InIt in Connecticut:

PolicyMic will be providing live updates and coverage of the storm, as we receive news to report. Refresh this page, and check back for updates.